The Irish Gift House is a family owned and operated on-line gift store that specializes in Irish jewelry, Claddagh rings, Irish gifts and Celtic jewelry that includes Celtic Crosses and Celtic wedding bands.

Friday, March 2, 2018

Top 10 Things NEVER To Do In Ireland

Whenever you’re traveling somewhere new it’s best to become
familiar with a few of the local customs to avoid offending anyone, and Ireland
is no exception. For the most part, the Irish are some of the warmest and
friendliest people you’ll ever meet.

Around 2
million Americans are expected to visit Ireland this year, so with your holiday enjoyment in mind, The Irish Gift House has put together a top 10 list of thing that you should NEVER do during your
visit.

1. Don't Order Corned Beef and Cabbage

Traditionally in
the US, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by enjoying a hearty meal of corned
beef and cabbage. Not likely you’re going to find it on any menu in Ireland. It
is an American creation, and many mistakenly believe it is the national dish of
Ireland. As a matter of fact the cuisine in many pubs is more continental
imagine linguini and white clam sauce offered in many places. If you do find it
on a menu, you can be sure it’s a restaurant that caters to tourists.

2. Don't Use a Phony Irish Accent

Some travelers
think that when they’re visiting European countries, they should try to employ
the local colloquialisms. Trying to emulate the Irish accent is not advised.
Locals dislike it when foreigners attempt to speak like them, so please refrain
from saying “Erin go bragh” when you visit. But if a local says “Top o’ the
mornin’ to ya”, you might get along with the reply “and the rest of the day to
yourself” or not. So please don’t
greet anyone with the phrase “top of the morning...” Rarely if at all does an
Irishman ever use cliché Irish movie phrases. They’re considered stereotypical and
you’ll sure to be viewed unfavorably amongst the locals.

3. Don't Order an “Irish Car Bomb”

Never order an Irish Car Bomb while
in Ireland (or from an Irish bartender). Though the shot-and-beer combo doesn't
mean to offend (it only means to get you
tipsy), its name is a rather insensitive reference to a dark era in
Ireland's history. If you're craving the sweet, malty party drink, try making
one when you go home...Stick with the Guinness, Jameson whiskey or Irish
coffee. And don’t look for green beer that too is an American brainchild. Yes, this drink of Guinness stout, Bailey’s Irish Cream
and Jameson Irish Whiskey is popular in America. This order will bring up old
wounds and will most likely get you kicked out of the pub. The name originates
from the many car bombings that took place during the Troubles in Ireland. It
is also recommend that you don’t ask for a “Black & Tan” either. You’ll be
asking for trouble.

4. Don't Talk About Leprechauns

Tourists traveling
to the Emerald Isle often find it amusing to ask the locals about leprechauns,
as if these legendary little folk were real and commonplace. However, Irish
citizens find it more tiresome than funny. So next time you’re traveling to
Ireland, don’t crack any jokes about leprechauns, pots of gold or rainbows with
the locals.

5. Don’t ‘Just’ Visit Dublin

Ireland’s capital city is great place to visit. There’s the
Guinness factory, Temple Bar, Waterford Crystal factory and some beautiful
shops and churches to discover. But the lush green countryside is surely
Ireland’s prized possession. You’ll definitely want to explore rural areas,
other cities and landmarks such as Galway, Belfast, Killarney National Park and
Killarney lakes featuring graceful swans aplenty, Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher,
Dingle and the famous fun loving dolphin Fungie.

6. Don't Talk About American Politics

Like many
Europeans, the majority of Irish citizens would be considered either Democratic
or Liberal, so don’t plan on discussing conservative politics, Trump or any hot
topics with any of the locals. Likewise spouting Liberal support can land you
in deep trouble with a few locals. Better to just enjoy your trip and
appreciate Irish charm and friendly fun loving people.

7. Don't Compare Ireland to Home

Many visitors love
to compare Ireland to their native country. This is kind of rude, and locals
find it very irritating to constantly hear how things like food, culture,
trends and customs compare to your America. So avoid making remarks about the
things that are different and enjoy Ireland for what it is – a beautifully
authentic country.

8. Don't Brag That You’re All Irish

Even if both sides
of your family come from Ireland, don’t plan on bragging about being 100% Irish
to any locals. Because the Irish people consider themselves 100% Irish and if
you’re visiting from the America, you would merely be considered an
Irish-American. Don’t even debate it either, as you definitely won’t make
friends. If you mention which part of Ireland your family came from, locals may
be willing to discuss your heritage. And you well know what they say about
braggarts… nobody like them.

9.Don't Stereotype
Don’t expect everyone to have red hair and freckles, and if you visit the
Emerald Isle this St Patrick’s Day don’t expect a sea of green garb! Many Americans wear green on St Patrick’s Day known by many
as the ‘wearing of the green’ to celebrate their Irish heritage. In Ireland
people wear a small bunch of shamrocks on their right breast rather than wear
green clothing to signify their Irishness
and its traditional connection with St Patrick. The shamrocks are blessed at
Church ceremonies all over Ireland by either the local priests or bishops, this
is known as Blessing of the Shamrock.

10. Don’t Expect Pubs to be All-nighters.One misconception about Ireland is that
people stay up all night drinking at local pubs. Most pubs in Ireland close at either midnight or 1 am. However if you make
friends at the bar or pub, you may be invited home to continue drinking until the
wee hours of the morning.

11. Optional Bonus Item: Don't Visit the Blarney Stone

If you’re planning
on visiting Ireland you’ve no doubt heard of the Blarney Stone, but some people
recommend that you skip that site. This attraction has become something like
the Disneyland of Ireland, with posed pictures and exorbitant fees and
expensive souvenirs. There are so many more authentic things to do and see in
this country, you may file this as tourist trap under things not to do in
Ireland. But who among us has not been victim to Disneyland’s outrageous costs
and long waits and yet had a wonderful time. I still wear my t-shirt stating "I
kissed the Blarney Stone" and have the picture to prove it. So let’s leave
that it up to you.

2 comments:

Visited Ireland 3 years ago. Had a beautiful time and great weather. Didn't do any of the "10 top things never to do in Ireland" Drove all around for 17 days no problem. Found the places where my great-grandparents came from in the 1800's Stayed at B&B's and the Irish people were warm and friendly.